Your dynamic real estate career awaits in one of the hottest real estate markets in North America. And guess what? You’re only 77 hours of prelicensing coursework away from getting your New York real estate license. In no time at all, you could be helping clients buy a cozy upstate home, a summer getaway in The Hamptons, or a chic Manhattan apartment.
Whether you’re just beginning or taking your real estate career to the Empire State, we’ve got you covered. We reviewed the most popular New York real estate schools to share their best features with you. We examined their ease of use, pricing, online access, quality of instruction and materials, and more. By the end of this article, you’ll be fully equipped to choose the right school for you. So let’s dive in!
6 Best New York Real Estate Schools for 2023
| Our Top Picks | Pricing From | Promo Codes |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall: Colibri Real Estate | $355 | TheClose25—Save 25% |
| Best for Job Placement: New York Real Estate Institute | $495 | |
| Best for Mobile: Aceable Agent | $239 | Click our Aceable Agent link—Save 25% |
| Best for Exam Prep: The CE Shop | $315 | TheClose35—Save 35% |
| Best for Career Resources: Kaplan | $379 | KAPRE5—Save 5% |
| Best on a Budget: RealEstateU | $149 | TheClose10—Save $10 |
(New York prelicensing package prices as of June 2023)
New York Real Estate Governing Body:
New York State Board of Real Estate
Prelicensing Requirements:
77 Hours
Post-licensing Requirements:
None
Continuing Education Requirements:
22.5 Hours Every Two Years
New York Real Estate Schools: Helpful Info
Becoming a real estate agent in New York can be accomplished quickly and inexpensively. Below we’ve listed what you can expect from quality New York real estate schools that will help you both launch and sustain your new career. Typically, New York real estate schools offer a variety of course packages in these three categories:
Prelicensing Courses
The first step to becoming a real estate agent in New York is to enroll in a 77-hour prelicensing course. Up until recently, it was only 75 hours long; New York added two hours of implicit bias training in December 2022. All of the schools on our list offer these classes, which you must complete before taking the state’s license exam. For more information about the other steps involved in becoming a real estate agent in New York, read our licensing guide.
Exam Preparation Courses
It may have been years since you last sat for an exam, so it’s understandable if you feel jittery knowing there’s a looming test. Most soon-to-be real estate agents feel more comfortable facing the license test after spending time preparing for it. You can find exam prep materials offered as standalone packages and as part of prelicensing course packages.
These materials take many forms but often include helpful tools like flashcards, practice tests, videos, and even instructor-led cramming sessions or access to online study groups. We love the way The CE Shop’s Exam Prep Edge packages use responsive technology to isolate the areas in which you need more practice.
Continuing Education Courses
You’ll need to take 22.5 hours of New York real estate continuing education (CE) classes every two years. You probably aren’t thinking about renewing your license yet, but we’re mentioning this because some of the real estate schools in New York that we’ve chosen offer packages that bundle prelicensing classes with the CE courses you’ll need to complete within your first two years.
Now that you know what you need to become and stay licensed in New York, let’s take a look at the real estate schools we’ve reviewed with a fine-toothed comb, just for you.
Best Overall New York Real Estate School: Colibri Real Estate
Colibri Real Estate offers:
- Prelicensing
- Exam prep
- Managing broker prelicensing
Colibri Real Estate holds the top spot on our list of recommended New York real estate schools because their programs are affordable, expertly designed, and offer instructor support. As a student, you’ll have plenty of choices, since they feature both self-paced learning and livestream classes. Plus, it’s a national company with loads of experience, making them one of the country’s leading online real estate schools. They’re also featured in our national guide for online real estate schools.
Readers of The Close can SAVE 25% on Colibri Real Estate courses in New York using promo code TheClose25 at checkout.
Colibri Real Estate Pricing
Colibri Real Estate offers four online, self-paced prelicensing course packages in New York starting at $355. Note that the required two hours of implicit bias training is included.
- The Basics ($355): This entry-level package is for “disciplined self-starters with some real estate experience.” You’ll receive the required 77 hours of class time, three real estate e-books, and email and phone access to state-approved instructors.
- Exam Preparation Package ($442): This includes everything from The Basic package plus exam prep material and a Pass or Don’t Pay guarantee. This means you’ll get your money back if you don’t pass the exam on your first try.
- Exam Preparation Plus ($499): For a little more, you’ll receive everything in the previous two packages plus 40 hours per month of live access to instructors. You’ll be able to ask questions regarding tricky material or items that you miss on the practice exams. This package also includes a printed textbook.
- Ultimate Learning Package ($613): Here you’ll receive everything from the Exam Preparation Plus package as well as a one-year membership with McKissock. With this membership, you’ll have access to professional development courses, webinars, job aids, and more.
In New York, Colibri Real Estate also offers a livestream class alternative with four daytime scheduling options.
- Livestream Learning ($529): This package is ideal for the student who prefers scheduled classes and enjoys the interaction that a livestream class offers. It includes the prelicensing course, instructor support, e-books, exam prep materials, and a one-year membership with McKissock.
(New York prelicensing package prices as of June 2023)
FAVORITE FEATURE: We chose Colibri Real Estate as the best overall among real estate schools in New York because of its value-packed options. No other school offers as many exam prep, support, and continuing education features at such a reasonable price.
ROOM TO IMPROVE: If we had to choose something, we’d love to see a full-time weekend schedule for the livestream course. This would benefit aspiring real estate agents who work full-time jobs during the week.
BOTTOM LINE: Sign up for one of Colibri Real Estate’s New York prelicensing packages today. You can get started with your first lesson immediately after creating an account, and 77 class hours later, you’ll be qualified to sit for the state licensing exam.
Can You Be a Part-time Real Estate Agent? (+ Free Guide & Videos)
Best New York Real Estate School for Job Placement: New York Real Estate Institute
New York Real Estate Institute offers:
- Prelicensing
- Exam prep
- Continuing education
New York Real Estate Institute (NYREI) has produced more than 100,000 graduates since opening in 1987. Also, it’s the only local company on our list. NYREI initially opened to provide courses to those interested in investment real estate, but later on realized that their innovative scheduling would appeal to those interested in changing careers as well.
I especially appreciate that New York Real Estate Institute guarantees students employment assistance through its unique job placement program. Also, its scheduling system allows you to take your required courses in any order. The live, online classes are offered mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends, and the rotating schedule is designed to get you through the material quickly. Note that the two hours of implicit bias training now required for a New York real estate license is included.
New York Real Estate Institute Pricing
New York Real Estate Institute offers four packages. Here’s the breakdown of what’s included in each of them:
- Online Self Paced Basic ($495): Students will receive access to the 77 hours of New York real estate classes with this introductory course, plus lifetime job placement assistance.
- Online Self Paced Platinum ($995): This top-tier course includes everything in the previous package, plus exam prep materials, an e-book, unlimited group tutoring sessions, practice exams, and a continuing education discount pack.
- Live In-Person Basic ($495): This package includes your 77-hour prelicensing course, a lifetime job placement assistance, and the freedom to mix and match live in-person and Zoom classes.
- Live In-Person Platinum ($995): You’ll get everything from the Online Self Paced Platinum package but instead of self-paced classes, you can mix and match your classes at all NYREI locations and choose whether you’re taking them live in-person or via Zoom.
(New York prelicensing package prices as of June 2023)
FAVORITE FEATURE: NYREI has many unique offerings, including live, online courses that you can take in any order. While we like the unique schedule offered in its in-person options, our favorite feature is the lifetime job placement assistance. Regardless of your niche, NYREI has relationships with some of the top real estate brokerages in New York to help you get started.
ROOM TO IMPROVE: Local real estate schools often don’t have the resources available to produce sleek, interactive online courses. While NYREI can give you access to real-life New York real estate agents, they may not be able to provide you with an online course that has high-level production value. If you’d like modern-looking interactive course material, consider enrolling with Colibri Real Estate instead.
BOTTOM LINE: Producing more than 100,000 graduates in one state is an impressive statistic. New York Real Estate Institute must be doing something right. Get job placement help and access to a live classroom when you choose NYREI’s in-person options.
Best New York Real Estate School for Mobile: Aceable Agent
Aceable Agent offers:
- Prelicensing
- Exam prep
As the first major online real estate school to invest in mobile app development for their courses, Aceable Agent is the premier choice for students on the go. If you’re the type of person who doesn’t want to waste even a moment of your day, you’ll appreciate Aceable Agent’s mobile-friendly real estate courses.
Students have the choice to complete their courses and even their unit exams from their smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop. Users also like Aceable Agent’s interactive format with fresh and engaging content. You’ll have email access to certified real estate instructors who can answer your questions about course content and the licensing process from Monday to Friday.
Readers of The Close can click our Aceable Agent link to SAVE 25%
Aceable Agent Pricing
Aceable Agent offers three prelicensing packages for New York. Like Colibri Real Estate, it’s very affordable. Even though their guarantee isn’t as impressive as some schools, they offer you your money back if you don’t pass the licensing exam after three attempts. They also include the two hours of implicit bias training that is now required for a New York real estate license.
- Basic Package ($239): With this straightforward course, you’ll enjoy a completely self-paced learning experience with access to instructor support via email, and “lite” exam prep and practice test questions.
- Deluxe Package ($369): You’ll get everything in the previous package plus access to 75 videos, 70 audio lessons, and “deluxe” exam prep materials.
- Premium Package ($469): Enjoy everything in the previous package plus an hour of private tutoring with a real estate pro, live webinars five times per week, and a livestream Q&A.
(New York prelicensing package prices as of June 2023)
FAVORITE FEATURE: We love Aceable Agent for its mobile experience. If you have a fast-paced New York lifestyle, a daily commute, or just enjoy learning on your phone, you’ll love Aceable Agent’s app. They also seem to have really great customer service. When we reached out to better understand the additional hours required, their representative was knowledgeable and extremely helpful.
ROOM TO IMPROVE: Aceable Agent provides the coursework you need to sit for the real estate exam. However, their guarantee, which promises a refund after your third failed attempt, doesn’t inspire much confidence. Their exam prep material is not the strongest, and they could do better in giving their students specific test-taking strategies. If you think you’ll need more study materials and aids to get ready for the NY licensing exam, we’d recommend The CE Shop’s three top-tier packages (see below).
BOTTOM LINE: If you’re always attached to your cell phone and have pockets of time throughout the day to complete lessons, consider enrolling in Aceable Agent’s mobile-friendly prelicensing courses.
Best New York Real Estate School for Exam Prep: The CE Shop
The CE Shop offers:
- Prelicensing
- Exam prep
- Continuing education
- Managing broker prelicensing
The CE Shop deserves a spot on our list for its incredibly high student pass rate. According to The CE Shop’s New York website, 97% of its students pass the license exam, with 90% of them passing on their first try.
With expert instructors, top-tier materials, and effective exam prep, The CE Shop is so confident you’ll succeed that they offer a pass guarantee. The Exam Prep Edge package will prepare you for your license exam through its helpful notes, quizzes, and practice questions.
Readers of The Close can SAVE 35% on The CE Shop prelicensing course. Use promo code TheClose35 at checkout.
The CE Shop Pricing
In New York, The CE Shop offers four online self-paced course packages to complete your 77-hour prelicensing requirements in New York. Note that the two hours of implicit bias training that is required for a New York real estate license is included.
- Courses Only ($315): Includes your prelicensing course as well as digital flashcards, a study schedule, and new e-books refreshed every month.
- Standard Package ($399): Enjoy everything from the previous package plus the Exam Prep Edge package and a pass guarantee.
- Value Package ($609): You’ll get everything from the above package plus business-building courses to help you start your new career.
- Premium Package ($735): Choose this option to get everything from the above packages plus a 22.5-hour continuing education package and an e-book titled, “New York Real Estate for Salespersons, 6th Edition.”
(New York prelicensing package prices as of June 2023)
FAVORITE FEATURE: The CE Shop’s top three packages include exam prep options, which cover every topic likely to show up on your license exam. Aside from the unlimited practice exams, the exam prep also includes interactive dashboards that guide you through each topic. We also love that you can purchase The CE Shop’s Exam Prep Edge as a standalone product for $135.
ROOM TO IMPROVE: Not to be picky, but The CE Shop would have a competitive edge if they offered Exam Prep Edge at every package level. We’d also like to see more instructor support.
BOTTOM LINE: You’ll walk into your license exam with confidence when you choose to study with The CE Shop.
Best New York Real Estate School for Career Advice: Kaplan
Kaplan offers:
- Prelicensing courses
- Exam prep
- Continuing education
Kaplan has been helping students pass tests since 1938. Its three packages include the 77-hour prelicensing course and access to a live, online study session. They also include an on-demand test prep course to give you that additional boost of confidence you’ll need right before taking the exam. Note that the two hours of implicit bias training is also included.
Readers of The Close can SAVE 5% on Kaplan Real Estate Education using promo code KAPRE5
Kaplan Pricing
Kaplan offers four prelicensing packages for soon-to-be New York real estate agents.
- New York 77-hour Salesperson Qualifying Course ($379): This starter package includes your prelicensing course with practice activities and case studies that will help you retain information better.
- New York 77-hour Salesperson Qualifying Course With Exam Prep ($509): This package comes with the prelicensing course, an exam prep course, interactive study group, and career mentor connection via Zoom.
- Career Launcher Package ($709): This package includes everything from the previous one, plus access to practice exams. Most importantly, it includes an eight-hour, live online course called Real Estate Accelerator that teaches business-building skills used by some of the nation’s most successful agents.
- Carnegie Career Launcher Package ($909): As well as everything listed above, Kaplan’s top-tier package includes access to Dale Carnegie’s classic course, Win Friends and Influence People. You’ll learn how to succeed in real estate, as well as life, with this content.
(New York prelicensing package prices as of June 2023)
FAVORITE FEATURE: Kaplan’s Career Launcher package supplements a test-only focus with the information you’ll need to get your business off the ground. Most New York real estate schools will cover topics like real estate law, types of mortgages, and disclosure statements in their courses. But not many will discuss how to find your first clients, organize your schedule, or stage a home. You’ll be able to pick the brains of some of the best real estate minds in this live, online course. They’ll discuss marketing techniques and income plans that are not typically covered in prelicensing courses. Plus, you’ll be able to absorb this experience from the comfort of your own home.
ROOM TO IMPROVE: Kaplan’s prelicensing packages are expensive. Its salesperson qualifying course with exam prep package provides little more than you would get from The CE Shop or Aceable Agent, and it costs hundreds of dollars more than those schools.
BOTTOM LINE: Learn how to be a real estate agent with Kaplan’s Career Launcher course. It is among the highest-priced packages on our list, but having access to mentors in the field is well worth the money. Getting licensed is but a first step, and launching a new career requires some specialized skills and networking.
Best New York Real Estate School for Students on a Budget: RealEstateU
RealEstateU offers:
- Prelicensing
- Exam prep
- Continuing education
Last but definitely not least, RealEstateU is a great choice for real estate students on a budget. You can digest their online lessons from anywhere using either your computer or mobile device. Plus, they offer a money-back guarantee in case you don’t like the program and would like a refund. Sounds too good to be true, right?
SAVE 10% on your RealEstateU course when you use our exclusive promo code TheClose10 at checkout
RealEstateU Pricing
RealEstateU offers only one prelicensing package for aspiring agents in New York.
- NYS 77-hour Real Estate Salesperson Licensing Course ($149): Includes the prelicensing course with infographic and video materials–all of which are accessible for a year after purchase.
(New York prelicensing package price as of June 2023)
FAVORITE FEATURE: Aside from affordability, our favorite RealEstateU feature is flexibility. Too busy with your daily activities? You can take their courses at your own pace, any time of the day or night. Their video tutorials are only 3 to 20 minutes long, so you may end up finishing your course earlier than planned.
ROOM TO IMPROVE: While their only package is very affordable compared to the other schools listed in this article, we’d also love it if they offered more prelicensing course options.
BOTTOM LINE: If you’re looking for something that gets the job done and won’t break the bank, RealEstateU is definitely the top New York real estate school for you.
How We Selected the Best New York Real Estate Schools
As a team of experienced professionals, writers, and editors in the real estate industry, we’ve come up with a methodology that involves thoroughly vetting schools according to usability, customer support, pricing, mobile or web interface, and course offerings. We used a weighted rubric for these varying criteria. Here at The Close, we constantly strive for the highest standards in providing you the best real estate options for your needs. Read more about our methodology here.
Real Estate Schools in New York: FAQs
Which is the best New York real estate school or program for me?
Our top pick for New York real estate classes is Colibri Real Estate. It’s affordable, expertly designed, and is highly rated by students. But if your learning style is better suited to live online real estate courses, you might want to check out New York Real Estate Institute.
Can I get my real estate license online in NY?
Yes! Every school on our list gives you the option of learning from the comfort of your living room. However, you must take your New York real estate agent exam in person.
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in New York?
It takes about three months to become a real estate agent in NY, but you can decrease that time dramatically if you’re dedicated. New York Real Estate Institute says you can get through their prelicensing courses within days, and other real estate schools on our list allow you to work at your own speed.
How long before I have to renew my New York real estate license for the first time?
You have two years to complete 22.5 hours of New York real estate post-licensing classes.
One of the schools on our list, The CE Shop, has a package that includes the courses you’ll need to renew your license.
Related article: The 5 Best Real Estate Continuing Education Providers for Realtors
How many Realtors are there in New York?
According to the National Association of Realtors’ data, there are 63,020 Realtors in New York. This is a 0.85% increase from the previous month and about a 0.61% decrease from May 2022.
How much do real estate agents make in New York?
It all depends on the number of deals and the commission splits, but according to Indeed, an average real estate agent in New York City makes $104,673 per year. In greater New York State, the average is lower—$88,626, which is 8% below the national average. For more salary information, check out our related article: Average Real Estate Broker Salary for Every State.
What’s the average home price in New York?
According to Zillow, home values for the state of New York were up 3.1% over the past year, reaching $436,745. The average for New York City is much higher, at $711,531.
Bringing It All Together
In addition to helping you choose the best real estate school in New York to meet your needs, we also strive to provide a host of resources, strategies, and insights from real estate professionals for every stage of your career. We want to help you thrive in our industry and in your new career! Have advice, insights, or questions? Leave us a comment below.
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